UN Experts Welcome US Courts Ruling Against Monsanto Over Cancerous Chemicals

MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 15th August, 2018) Two UN human rights experts welcomed on Wednesday the verdict of a California court that ordered agrochemical corporation Monsanto to pay $289 million in compensation for health complications caused by cancerous chemicals in its products.

Last week, the court ordered Monsanto to pay $289 million to school groundskeeper Dewayne Johnson, who said the chemical giants weedkiller caused his terminal cancer.

"The ruling recognizes the potential causal relations between cancer and Monsantos glyphosate-based weedkillers, including RoundUp, and the companys negligence by failing to inform users of cancer risks. This decision is a significant recognition of the human rights of victims, and the responsibilities of chemical companies," the experts said, as quoted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The experts also expressed regret that the link between Monsantos weedkiller and cancer was recognized too late to save Johnson.

"We regret that the ruling came too late as Mr. Johnson is suffering from terminal cancer. No monetary compensation is adequate for his life. We express our deepest condolences for his pain and suffering and praise his courage and unwavering will to fight for his rights," the experts said.

Johnson, 46, had been in contact with glyphosate-based weedkiller for years as a school groundkeeper, using up hundreds of gallons at a time, according to his lawyer.

He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2014, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells. A year later, the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that glyphosate was probably carcinogenic.

The landmark ruling opens the door to thousands of similar cases from US plaintiffs. Monsanto Vice President Scott Partridge said the company would appeal the verdict.